Electrical cables are a critical component of a building’s fire resilience. If they fail during a fire, the life safety systems they support, such as alarms, emergency lighting, smoke extraction, fire doors, and sprinklers will also fail. When electrical cables fail, buildings lose their ability to protect both people and assets.

This is why understanding the difference between standard fire-resistant cables and fire-survival Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (MICC) cables is essential for risk consultants, underwriters and specifiers.

MICC cables (also known as pyro cables) offer a level of resilience that directly reduces fire risk and improves building safety outcomes.

Why cables matter in a fire

Cabling often sits out of sight, yet it underpins every critical system in a building. In a fire, damage to these cables can cause cascading failures across systems relied on for evacuation and containment.

While fire-resistant, polymer-based cables (often called ‘soft skin’ cables) can pass laboratory-based tests, they may still fail in real-world conditions. Heat, water, mechanical impact or prolonged exposure can compromise their integrity. This creates a dangerous gap between test performance and real performance.

MICC cables are designed to survive fire

MICC fire survival cables are built from inorganic materials - copper and magnesium oxide - that are inherently fireproof. They’re engineered to continue operating for the full duration of a fire, not merely at its onset.

Key benefits of MICC cables include:

• Continuous operation in temperatures exceeding 1000°C
• No smoke or toxic gas emission
• Zero degradation over time (non-aging)
• Waterproof, corrosion-resistant and highly durable
• Minimal maintenance requirements and exceptionally long lifespan

These features make MICC cables particularly suitable for high-risk environments such as hospitals, residential towers, schools, care homes, government buildings.

Regulatory change supports smarter choices

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, building fire safety regulation in the UK has tightened. In March 2025, the BS 476 standard was replaced with the European BS EN 13501 framework, including BS EN 13501-6 for cable classification. This introduced a clearer, more rigorous system of classification based on ignition, flame spread, smoke production, and heat release. Cables are now rated from A1 (non-combustible) to F (easily combustible) under the Euroclass system.

However, classification alone isn’t enough. Even some Euroclass-rated cables don’t guarantee operational integrity during a fire. Soft skin cables may meet fire resistance thresholds under test conditions but often fail under mechanical stress or prolonged heat exposure. MICC cables, by contrast, have a proven track record of delivering continuous power in even the most extreme fire conditions.

Risk reduction you can measure

Cable failure poses a significant threat to life safety, business continuity, and asset protection. Poor cable performance can delay evacuation, accelerate fire spread, and increase insurance exposure and reinstatement costs.

When properly specified, MICC fire survival cables help to mitigate these risks by:

• Reducing the likelihood of critical system failure
• Supporting safer and faster evacuation
• Lowering potential liabilities
• Improving risk profiles for insurers and asset managers

Time to reassess specification priorities

The move to BS EN 13501 offers an opportunity to reevaluate how cables are specified and integrated into a building’s fire strategy. With clearer classification and increasing scrutiny from regulators and insurers, the case for fire survival cabling is only getting stronger. For consultants, insurers, and underwriters seeking to minimise risk and protect lives, MICC cables offer a practical, proven solution. These cables exceed fire performance standards when it matters most - in real fires with real consequences.

• Download our white paper “Expecting the Unexpected” to learn how MICC fire survival cables can contribute to a more robust building risk profile.

Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC), a leading UK cable manufacturer, is calling for better building safety standards through the use of fire survival cables before more lives are put at risk.

WMC’s call to action comes after the recent fire in a residential tower block in Dagenham, east London, which required the evacuation of 80 people. The incident occurred just weeks after a blaze at the historic Somerset House, home to priceless artworks.

WMC says these high-profile fire events underscore the urgent need for building designers and specifiers to identify and install appropriate cables that can survive - not just resist - real-life fire scenarios.

Currently, specifiers are presented with a choice between polymeric cables and mineral insulated copper clad (MICC) cables. Due to the existing testing regime, both cable types are classed as fire-resistant, creating a misleading impression of equivalence. However, MICC cables have consistently demonstrated superior performance and proven to perform to higher safety standards in 'real fire’ scenarios.

In 2023, WMC published a white paper outlining how cables – often an overlooked component of a building’s system –directly impact building safety. The paper advocates for the introduction of a higher classification of fire survival cable, which can continue to power critical circuits in the event of a fire.

Colin Hughes, Group Manager at WMC, commented: “Last year, the UK Government introduced stricter building regulations in England as part of new secondary legislation to implement the Building Safety Act. Sadly, recent events in London remind us that buildings of all types remain at a high risk of fire, and we must take every measure to ensure their safety.

“Fire survival cables are a vital component of building safety, yet they often remain an unrecognised hazard. Due to the lack of understanding about the important role they play in keeping buildings safe, all too often inferior cables are frequently installed, which may prove inadequate in the event of a fire. This uncertainty can only be addressed when all fire-resistant cables, regardless of size or construction, are subjected to true fire scenario tests.

“At WMC, we are committed to educating the market about the advantages of specifying MICC fire survival cables.”

• Download WMC’s white paper Expecting the unexpected: specifying safety-critical circuit cables for fire survival.

Wrexham Mineral Cables Recognised for Environmental Excellence with Planet Mark Recertification

We are thrilled to announce that Wrexham Mineral Cables has once again been awarded the prestigious Planet Mark certification. Moreover, such a remarkable achievement marks our continued dedication to sustainability and reinforces our position as a leader in environmental responsibility.

It all began a few years ago, when we first achieved the certification, and since then, our commitment to creating a better future for our planet has only grown stronger. Furthermore, an achievement like this is a testament to the unwavering efforts of our entire team and the positive impact we have made on the environment.

At WMC, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is ingrained in every aspect of our business. Besides implementing energy-efficient practices to reducing waste and carbon emissions, we are constantly striving to minimise our ecological footprint. Importantly, we believe that every small step counts, and our re-certification reflects the considerable progress we have made in our sustainability journey.

What is Planet Mark?

Planet Mark is a globally recognised sustainability certification that recognises businesses that are taking positive action to reduce their environmental impact. Moreover, to achieve Planet Mark re-certification, businesses must measure their carbon footprint, set ambitious reduction targets, and implement a comprehensive sustainability plan.

Our Sustainability Initiatives

Wrexham Mineral Cables is committed to sustainability and has initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. These initiatives include:

• Investing in energy-efficient technologies
• Reducing waste
• Recycling materials
• Using sustainable materials
• The Re-Certification Process

Assessment Process

Achieving re-certification, Wrexham Mineral Cables had to undergo a rigorous assessment process. Our assessment process involved:

• Measuring the company's carbon footprint
• Reviewing the company's sustainability policies and procedures
• Assessing the company's progress against its sustainability targets

The Benefits of Planet Mark Certification

Planet Mark certification is a significant achievement for Wrexham Mineral Cables. Above all, by choosing WMC as your trusted partner, you are not only benefitting from our exceptional products and services but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where future generations can thrive.

Read our article on how we are leading the plastic free revolution with our cables.

Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC), a leading UK cable manufacturer, is calling for the establishment of a new fire-resistant cable standard to improve building safety and potentially save lives.

WMC’s call to action comes as the industry reflects on the 1,700-page Grenfell Inquiry report, which sets out how ‘decades of failure’ across government and the construction sector led to Grenfell Tower becoming a site of tragic loss of life.

The report makes 58 recommendations, including the establishment of a new construction regulator responsible for developing suitable methods for testing fire resistance in materials and products used in construction.

WMC says the industry reform must include a new standard that enables architects and specifiers to identify true fire survival cables, which are proven to perform to safety standards in real-world scenarios. The company warns the current regulatory framework allows for inferior cables to be used in safety-critical applications, putting lives and property at risk.

Currently, specifiers are presented with a choice between polymeric ‘soft skin’ cables and mineral insulated copper clad (MICC) cables. Due to the existing testing regime, both cable types are classed as fire-resistant, creating a misleading impression of equivalence. However, MICC cables have consistently demonstrated superior performance and are proven to perform to measurably higher safety standards in 'real fire’ scenarios.

Colin Hughes, Group Manager at WMC, explains: “Fire-resistant cables are integral to maintaining a building’s critical electrical systems during a fire. For example, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, emergency generators, smoke dampers and shutters, and fire alarms. If these systems fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.

“Current testing standards create an unclear picture of cable performance; they treat polymeric and MICC cables as equivalent, despite their vastly different fire-survival capabilities. It’s all too easy for manufacturers to claim that products meet a required standard, even though the test methods themselves are not representative of ‘true fire’ scenarios.

“As the Grenfell report has made clear, everyone involved in construction is responsible for keeping people safe. However, architects and specifiers must be equipped to make informed choices. We need a new standard that allows specifiers to identify true fire survival cables - and potentially help save lives.”

WMC has long advocated for stricter testing standards and better fire-resistant cable specifications. In 2023, WMC published a white paper outlining how cables directly impact building safety. The paper advocates for the introduction of a higher classification of fire survival cable, which can continue to power critical circuits in the event of a fire.

Colin Hughes adds: “Last year, the UK Government introduced stricter building regulations in England as part of new secondary legislation to implement the Building Safety Act. Unfortunately, recent events in London, such as fires at a residential block in Dagenham and at the historic Somerset House, serve as reminders that buildings of all types remain at a high risk of fire.

“This is why we continue to call on the government and industry to take action and improve building safety with the introduction of a new standard that subjects all fire-resistant cables, regardless of size or construction, to true fire scenario tests.”

• Download WMC’s white paper Expecting the unexpected: specifying safety-critical circuit cables for fire survival.

Notes to editors:

Current testing and standards f

Wrexham Mineral Cables Wins the ECN Cable/Cabling Management Product of the Year

Wrexham Mineral Cables have been awarded the Electrical Contracting News (ECN) Cable/Cabling Management Product of the Year award for its innovative Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (MICC) Cable.

The ECN awards are one of the most prestigious in the electrical industry, and this win is a testament to Wrexham Mineral Cables' commitment to innovation and quality.

"We are delighted to have won this award," said Colin Hughes for Wrexham Mineral Cables. "We are committed to providing our customers with the only true fire survival cable. This award is a recognition of our hard work and the amazing properties of our cable.”

To qualify for the award, we had to satisfy a rigorous set of requirements. This included providing a compelling argument for why electrical contractors should select our product.

Why should electrical contractors choose Mineral Insulated Copper Clad Cable?

• Fire survival: Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) is the UK's only manufacturer of mineral insulated cables utilising continuous production technology. Moreover, these cables are designed to withstand fire and continue to operate even when exposed to extreme heat and flames. This makes them an ideal choice for applications where fire safety is a critical concern, such as in buildings, tunnels, and underground infrastructure.

• Durability and reliability: WMC cables are extremely durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to moisture, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Equally, this makes them a long-lasting and reliable solution for a wide range of applications.

• Versatility: WMC cables are available in a wide range of configurations to meet the specific needs of different applications. Furthermore they can be supplied with a variety of sheath colours, conductor sizes, and core counts.

• Ease of installation: WMC cables are easy to install and terminate. This makes them a cost-effective solution for electrical contractors.

What are the benefits of MICC cable?

In addition to these general benefits, WMC cables offer several specific advantages for electrical contractors:

• Reduced downtime: WMC cables are less likely to fail than other types of cables, which can help to reduce downtime and improve productivity.

• Lower maintenance costs: WMC cables require minimal maintenance, which can save money in the long run.

Overall, Wrexham Mineral Cables cabling is an excellent choice for electrical contractors and project managers who are looking for a safe, reliable, and durable solution for their cabling needs.

Wrexham’s MICC cable is available now from several leading electrical distributors. Find your cable stockist.

Specifying Safety-Critical Circuit Cables For Fire Survival

How to address serious failures of vital building safety systems through enhanced understanding of cable specification is at the heart of a new white paper from Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC).

This October we launched our campaign, and whitepaper (FREE to download) - titled ‘Expecting the unexpected: specifying safety-critical circuit cables for fire survival’ - written in response to a growing frustration at the lack of progress made on building safety as a result of the lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower fire.

WMC shares the view of the London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills, that “…in many cases the built environment sector is still not seeing a culture change in all those responsible for fire safety in high rise buildings”.

Cable specification: key to protecting buildings’ ‘beating heart’

Building systems depend on the electricity supply being maintained in order to help keep occupants safe as they evacuate, advises WMC. As several recent high-profile building fires show, when this critical system or so-called ‘beating heart’ fails it causes extra damage to property and puts more lives at risk. The cables that supply those systems are inherent to fire safety.

The purpose of the white paper is to guide and educate specifiers and installers about the impact cable specification has on safety-critical systems. At present, specifiers are presented with a choice between polymeric cables and mineral-insulated copper clad (MICC) cables.

“Buildings and lives are at risk”

The current regime of testing means both cable types are classed as fire-resistant. It creates an impression that the two options are in some way equal. However, as the paper demonstrates, this is not the case and MICC cables are proven to perform to higher safety standards in 'real fire’ scenarios. But with no requirement for better-performing MICC cables to be used in safety-critical applications, WMC believes building safety, and therefore human life, continues to be put at risk.

Building understanding

After reading this technical paper, specifiers will have a better understanding of how fire performance cables work and their role; fire performance cable testing, and issues with that testing; and why cables classified as fire-resistant might not perform in true fire scenarios.

WMC’s paper concludes with an explanation of the reasons why MICC is the true ‘fire survival’ cable and can make a genuine difference to improving building safety – regardless of progress in the regulatory landscape.

“Important and timely”

Commenting on the launch of the white paper, Colin Hughes, Group Manager at Wrexham Mineral Cables has doubt over the pace and extent of change:

“This paper is an extremely important and timely document. Questions over the effectiveness of cable testing regimes and current certification methods are nothing new. For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has made the case for better testing standards – especially for fire performance cables. Our paper looks at cable specification in the context of current attitudes towards building safety, and the shifting regulatory landscape – and explains the clear benefits of mineral-insulated copper clad cable – and its role in building safety. We welcome downloads from anyone involved in ensuring the built environment is a safer place.”

Visit wrexhammineralcables.com/fire-survival-cable to download a free copy of Wrexham Mineral Cables’ white paper: Expecting the unexpected: specifying safety-critical circuit cables for fire survival.

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WMC believe the building regulatory system will remain ‘broken’ unless strengthening product certification standards becomes an urgent priority.

We have commented  as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) apologised for failing to realise that the regulatory system in place at the time of the Grenfell Tower fire was “broken”.

As part of final statements made to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the housing department’s lawyer, Jason Beer KC, said: “The department recognises that it failed to appreciate that it held an important stewardship role over the [building safety] regime and that, as a result, it failed to grasp the opportunities to assess whether the system was working as intended.”

We have been calling for more stringent testing standards for fire resistant cables for many years as it believes too many cables – which have been installed in buildings across the country – are classified as fire resistant and yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios.

Our commercial manager Steve Williams acknowledges that whilst improvements to building safety have been a step in the right direction, he firmly believes more needs to be done.

He commented: “Whilst the Building Safety Act will make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence, we can only truly make buildings safe if the products which are installed are fit for purpose. Despite the lessons learned over the last five years, we do not believe this is the case, particularly when it comes to the installation of fire-resistant cables.

“Sadly, there are still too many cables classed as fire resistant but would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests they undergo do not represent real-world conditions. It is for this reason that we have lobbied, and will continue to do so, for all enhanced fire-resistant cables to undergo true fire scenario tests. It is our belief that there should also be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire. Ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon is the only way we can make buildings truly safe.”

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Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) has been shortlisted for the three prestigious sustainability-focused industry awards.

The leading manufacturer of fire-resistant mineral insulated cables were shortlisted for the Made in Wales Awards organised by Insider Media (Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer of the Year), and the upcoming Make UK Manufacturing Awards for the Wales region (Energy and Sustainability category) and two awards at the Materials Recycling World (MRW) National Recycling Awards (Circular Economy Initiative - Business Model and Recycling Excellence).

With increasing demand across the construction sector for products to be more sustainable and have reduced, or be completely free of, plastic components, WMC believes specifiers and building designers can have the best of both worlds when it comes to building safety – the principal purpose of its products - and environmental credentials.

With this in mind, the company has set out to create as little waste as possible during the production and installation of its Mineral Insulated Copper Cables (MICC), focusing on three key principles; Designing Away Waste, Reducing Maintenance Costs and Returning Materials into the Cycle.

MICC Cable combines a total of just two elements - copper and Magnesium Oxide (MgO). Copper is an almost 100% recyclable material and can be used over and over again, whilst MgO is a natural element of massive abundance. The use of pure raw materials makes its cables suitable for most environments as it will not deteriorate and is a non-aging product; an initiative which has the circular economy at its core. This also reduces onward maintenance and replacements to practically zero.

WMC continue to produce the highest quality cable with the best performance, whilst also removing the usual performance enhancers such as plastics and halogens. Most polymeric/PVC ‘fire-resistant’ cables can contain around 270g of plastic per 1m length, which works out to around 54 plastic bags. To compare, WMC use equivalent to zero plastic bags with their MICC cable.

Steve Williams, Commercial Manager at Wrexham Mineral Cables commented: “As a responsible manufacturer, we understand the role we can play in reducing the impacts our products have on the world around us. Over the last 30 years the company has worked hard to ensure our products are not only best in class but respond to growing demand for sustainable building products.  To be recognised for the work we have done, and will continue to do so, demonstrates our commitment as an ethical manufacturer.”

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Building safety remains on a knife edge says Wrexham Mineral Cables.

WMC believe building safety will remain on a knife edge if product testing is not strengthened.

Wrexham Mineral Cables has once again called for more stringent testing standards following a spate of fires in recent months. Recently, residents were evacuated from a block of apartments in Bradford city centre following a blaze on the fifth floor of the building.

Wrexham Mineral Cables believes this once again highlights the importance of keeping buildings and the people who occupy them safe. It says that in too many cases the focus has remained largely on identified defects, but it is the unidentified issues – such as the installation of certain types of fire-resistant cables – which may not survive during a true fire scenario.

Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams says testing needs to be strengthened for all fire-resistant cables as part of the construction industry’s wider drive to improve building safety.

He commented: “Fire resistant cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supported in the event of a fire. Not only do they provide early indication of a fire, but they also ensure critical circuits remain functional for longer periods. This is particularly critical in high rise buildings where evacuation times can be extensive or hindered due to the sheer size of the building. Plus, with some buildings adopting the much criticised ‘stay put’ policy, circuits such as extraction systems must remain fully functional.

“The tests which cables are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon. It is extremely concerning that ‘ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables most commonly being used for critical emergency building services may not survive fire, water, and direct impact. If this remains the case, building safety will remain on a knife edge for years to come.”

He added: “We remain committed to raising industry standards. And the only way to achieve this is by introducing a standard test for all fire resistant cables - such as BS 8519, currently only applicable to Fire Resistant cables over 20mm. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test, helping identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist, fire.  Wrexham Mineral Cables have recently gained approval to BS8519 on cable measuring less than 8mm proving it really is the ONLY true fire survival cable.’’

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WMC have welcomed the Building Safety Act 2022’s passage into law as a ‘step in the right direction’ yet believes more still needs to be done when it comes to protecting occupants.

The Act is intended to create lasting, generational change to the way in which high-risk and high-rise residential buildings are both constructed and maintained. It also enshrines in law the Building Safety Regulator at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to provide oversight of the new system with powers of enforcement and sanction, whilst a Construction Products Regulator will also have powers to remove dangerous products from the market.

Fire resistant cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that building critical systems — including emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, emergency generators, emergency voice comms, fire monitoring systems and smoke extraction systems — continue to function beyond dynamic fire events, providing vital time for the safe passage of occupants. In the case of a high-rise building, these circuits must do everything possible to continue sounding the alarm, maintain visibility and extract smoke and fumes, especially in the event of entrapment within the building. It’s alarming to think that so many fire rated products were deemed not fit after the enquiry, yet the one product that is essential for the heartbeat of the building continues to undergo fire performance tests that are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios.

Under current testing standards, only fire-resistant cables that are greater in diameter than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris, and water jet testing on a single test sample. This rules out almost 90% of the entire MICC cable range as their diameters are under 20mm.

Steve Williams, Commercial Manager at WMC, commented: “We welcome the Building Safety Act yet there is still some way to go to ensure occupant safety. Whilst this legislation will make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence, we can only truly make buildings safe by identifying all possible hazards. We still don’t believe this is happening.

“Despite the continued focus on building safety, sadly there are simply too many cables classed as fire resistant that would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests do not represent real-life scenarios. This is putting lives at risk. We strongly believe there should be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire. With the passage of the Building Safety Act, we should no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done. Introducing a higher classification of cables would help people in positions of responsibility identify fire resistant cables which can survive, rather than simply resist fire.”

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Wrexham Mineral Cables are delighted to have joined Made in Britain! As the UK's only manufacturer of MICC cable, we are celebrating our British origins having been granted membership to the Made in Britain organisation.

New Member Story – Made in Britain

1. In a short sentence what do you manufacture and where do you do that (town or county is fine)
Wrexham Mineral Cables are the UKs only manufacturer of Fire Survival Mineral Insulated Copper Conduit Cables, based in Ruabon, Wrexham and have been since 1989.

2. How long has your business been going and if there is any interesting history please summarise this?

For over thirty years (1989), WMC have concentrated mainly on the UK, supplying over 100 million metres of fire survival cable to sectors such as railways, public buildings, schools, hospitals, sporting arenas, hospitality, and underground tunnels to name a few. Our project portfolio extends over 30-years, and our cables are installed in sectors such as Hazardous areas, high rise buildings, heritage, medical and railways including the London Underground.

3.  What does it mean to you to join the Made in Britain organisation? 
To trade in Britain, and to be the UK’s only manufacturer of MICC cable, is a feeling of proud heritage for WMC. Being able to supply and install our cables in the knowledge that they will provide extended safety to those areas and in a lot of cases preserve British history is a major motivation of ours. To now be able to show off our brand alongside the Made in Britain mark is very exciting and important to us, as well as our customers.
Steve Williams, Commercial Manager.

4. Where will you be using the official Made in Britain mark?
We will be proudly displaying the Made in Britain mark wherever we can - on our packaging, promotional material, website, social media, training packages and beyond.

5. Is there is anything else you consider important and would like to share?
Whilst we are British born and bred, we also export all over the world, in particular to middle eastern countries such as Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar. MICC cable is an important element for businesses and sectors that operate in extreme conditions, where heat can often be an issue – hence the need for use in areas with oil fields and petrochemical farms.
Our portfolio of projects spans many different areas, but a few we are extremely proud of within Britain include installations at Buckingham Palace, the London Underground, various National Trust properties, St Pancreas International, and Winsor Castle – to have our product trusted in historic and well known places such as these definitely ranks highly in our list of achievements.

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With the continuing focus on building safety, fire-resistant cables – and their ability to service critical systems in the event of a fire – remain under the spotlight. Steve Williams, Commercial Manager for Wrexham Mineral Cables, talks about the differences between fire resistant cables, why the industry needs enhanced testing, and how the industry is tackling environmental issues.

 What is a fire-resistant cable? 

Fire resistant cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity and continue to work for a specified period of time under defined conditions. They play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supported - including emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, extraction systems, smoke dampers and shutters, emergency generators, pressurisation fans, emergency voice comms and fire alarms - in the event of a fire, providing vital time for the safe passage of occupants out of the building, and allowing for shutdown procedures to take place.

 What is the difference between MICC and polymeric fire-resistant cables? 

Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (MICC) Cable has been used commercially since the 1930s, and to this day is considered the only true fire survival cable.

It is made by placing magnesium oxide around copper rods inside a circular copper tube, known as the copper sheath, for its protection – meaning it has its own fire-proof conduit. And unlike any other type of fire-resistant cable, no polymers, tapes or armouring are used, so this type of cable will operate directly in the heart of a fire and continue to do so safely.

The continuous operating temperatures of cables are often a key factor in selection decisions. A bare mineral insulated cable can work continuously up to 250°C, far more than any other polymeric fire-resistant cable. Mineral Insulated Cables operate directly in the heart of a fire, continuing to function safely in temperatures in excess of 1,080°C for over three hours, whilst also undergoing direct impact and exposure to water pressure going above any current British Standard.

Its bespoke construction means it doesn’t require a conduit for mechanical or vermin protection and stops liquids and gas flowing through the cable. These extreme tolerances make it a perfect candidate to create water, air, and dust-tight seals with a fully approved mineral cable gland. Because of this, Mineral Insulated Cable is seen not just as a fire-resistant cable but the ultimate fire-survival cable, as it provides the best possible resistance to fire, heat, and impact damage. It is for this reason that this type of cable is trusted to operate under the most extreme and challenging conditions.

In comparison, polymeric fire-resistant cables rely on MICA tapes and polymers to increase their resistance to fire, yet these materials can burn away at as little as 80°C, exposing the critical conductors. And in order to give some soft skinned polymer cables flame-retardant properties, halogens are added to the outer sheath such as chlorine, bromine and fluorine. When exposed to a fire, these halogenated polymers release halides, which are extremely toxic. This smoke not only restricts breathing, but it also increases the risk of this being inhaled when following the common rules during a fire.

What current standards are there for fire resistant cables? 

 In order to meet the requirements of a fire-resistant cable, they must meet the British Standard appropriate to their type of fire-resistant cable. There are several references for fire performance on cables including BS 50200, BS8434, BS8519 and BS6387.

All of these standards have a variant of time and temperature the cables are tested at under fire conditions. These can range from a 30-minute rated cable tested at 830^oC (PH30 cable as per BS 50200) to a three-hour rated cable tested at 940^oC (BS 6387 category C). All of these standards should provide reassurance to the specifier that the chosen cable will continue to work in the event of a fire.

Wrexham Mineral Cables recently gained BS8519 CAT3 approval on the entire range of Heavy duty MICC from 7.9mm and above. This test is normally designed for cables over 20mm but the durability and robustness of MICC means it’s the smallest cable ever to achieve a test that involves direct impact, water jet testing and exposure to two hours at temperatures in excess of 800˚C all on one single cable sample.

You have spoken a lot about the need for enhanced testing. Why do you believe this is necessary? 

 As we all know, fire is a dynamic force that moves, expands, and changes the shape, size, and properties of all it encounters.

Currently, only fire-resistant cables that are greater in diameter than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris and water jet testing on a single test sample. Why this is set at 20mm no expert in the field can answer, all we know is it rules out almost 90% of the entire MICC range as their diameters are under 20mm. However, with guidance from LPCB WMC achieved this approval (BS8519 CAT3) for their range of Heavy Duty Cables measuring just 7.9mm in diameter.

For fire resistant cables under 20mm, different stages of each test are carried out on different samples of cable, not continuously on the same sample. As the call for mandatory sprinkler systems in taller buildings gathers momentum, it becomes even more concerning that smaller fire-resistant cables, especially those under 20mm, may not survive fire, water, and direct impact - a true fire scenario.

This has resulted in too many cables being classed as fire resistant but that would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests do not represent real-world conditions. In an era of greater accountability, there should be no compromise. We can no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done. A higher classification of cables would help people in positions of responsibility identify fire resistant cables which can survive, rather than simply resist fire.

Failure to recognise the need for a true fire scenario test is extremely real. In 2018, a survey of fire-resistant cables conducted in Hong Kong found that 75% of 12 fire Resistance cables removed from public sites, all of which were used in safety-critical systems, failed the very tests to which they were certified. One sample failed the basic fire test of BS 6387 after just 22 minutes. This demonstrates the inconsistency in the standards performance to measure true or real fire condition performance.¹

It is for that reason that we have been calling for more stringent testing standards with the introduction of a higher classification of fire-survival cable, for those which can continue to power critical circuits in the event of a fire and withstand the rigours of safety systems such as falling debris, collapsing walls, fire hoses or even activation of high-pressure sprinklers and smoke extraction.

It’s hard to ignore the push towards sustainability across the built environment. How is Wrexham Mineral Cables addressing this?

 As a responsible manufacturer, we understand the role we can play in reducing the impacts our products have on the world around us. We have seen increasing demand across the construction sector for products that offer reduced, or are completely free of, plastic components.

Although recycling efforts are changing, cables that contain artificial fire retardants are still extremely difficult to recycle, potentially resulting in tens of thousands of tons of unrecyclable plastic being sent to landfill.

With MICC Cables we don’t need any plastics or polymer covers to aid fire protection. We offer an OPTIONAL LSZH outer cover but this is mainly for cosmetic purposes only. We offer a bare MICC that is completely plastic free, operates continuously up to 250˚C, and for over 3 hours at 950˚C. Our bare cable option consists of just two inorganic materials, where the copper element is 100% recyclable. The result is a totally inorganic and silicone free cable that maintains integrity in extreme fire conditions, whilst offering an environmentally friendly solution.

By comparison, ANY other cables on the market require plastics or polymers to protect the conductors. Whether this be a standard electric power cable in to a property or a Fire Resistant cable to meet BS8519CAT3. As an example, A standard SWA 4 core 4mm cable can contain around 270g of plastic per 1 metre length – the equivalent of 54 plastic bags being sent to landfill.

MICC cable is also a non-ageing product and does not use any plastics to aid its fire performance.

Wrexham Mineral Cables is the world’s leading manufacturer of Mineral Insulated Copper Cable. Based in the UK, the company serves a global customer base in diverse sectors such as oil and gas, Petro-chemical, construction, power generation and distribution, and defence, as well as also rail and transportation infrastructure.

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

With increasing demand across the construction sector for products that offer reduced, or are completely free of, plastic components, a leading manufacturer of fire resistant mineral insulated cables says specifiers and building designers can have the best of both worlds when it comes to building safety and environmental credentials. 

Wrexham Mineral Cables produces what it describes as the only true ‘fire survival’ cable. Offering the highest levels of fire performance, the company says it is also seeing an increased interest in the environmental benefits of its products.

Government data recently revealed that plastic waste from the construction sector had risen by 46% in just two years. It follows on from comments made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that recycling plastics ‘doesn’t work’ and the industry needs to ‘cut down our use of plastics’ to solve the problem.

In order to reduce plastic within the supply chain, Wrexham Mineral Cables believe that by focusing on the green credentials of products, plastic waste can be significantly reduced. For example, MICC cable is a NON-AGEING product, and does not use any plastics to aid fire performance. WMC’s bare MICC cable option consists of just two materials: Copper & Magnesium Oxide. Neither will burn, and both elements are inorganic and non-carcinogenic. This results in no added smoke or toxins in a fire situation – creating no harm towards the natural environment. The copper used in the cables is 100% recyclable.

By comparison, the majority of other cables on the market require plastics or polymers to protect the conductors. A standard SWA 4 core 4mm cable can contain around 270g of plastic per 1 metre length – the equivalent of 54 plastic bags being sent to landfill.

Huw Williams, Factory Manager at Wrexham Mineral Cables, comments: “Reducing plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues in recent years. As a responsible manufacturer, we understand the role we can play in reducing the impacts our products have on the world around us.

“Although recycling efforts are changing, cables that contain artificial fire retardants are still extremely difficult to recycle, potentially resulting in tens of thousands of tons of unrecyclable plastic being sent to landfill.

“With our MICC Cable we don’t need polymer covers to aid fire protection. Our bare cable option consists of just two inorganic materials, where the copper element is 100% recyclable. The result is a totally inorganic and silicone free cable that maintains integrity in extreme fire conditions, whilst offering an environmentally friendly solution.”

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) has called on contractors and installers to play their part in improving building safety by increasing their understanding of the performance capabilities of fire-resistant cables.

The leading UK manufacturer of ‘fire-resistant’, or what they prefer to call ‘Fire Survival’, mineral insulated cables says it is vital they recognise the stresses real-life fire scenarios have on ‘fire-resistant’ cables so they can identify products that will truly withstand a critical situation.

In order to meet the requirements of a fire-resistant cable, products must meet the British Standard appropriate to their type of fire-resistant cable, such as BS50200, BS8434, BS8519 and BS6387. All of these standards have a variant of time and temperature the cables are tested at under fire conditions, ranging from a 30 minute rated cable tested at 830^oC to a three hour rated cable tested at 940^oC.

However, Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams says building safety could take a step forward if contractors and installers play a more active role in delivering change. However, says the Company, this will require an increased awareness of the tests individual products undergo in order to obtain their fire resistance certification.

For example, only ‘fire-resistant’ cables that are greater in diameter than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts and water testing with any significant pressure on a single test sample. For ‘fire-resistant’ cables under 20mm, different stages of the test are carried out on different samples of cable, whilst exposure to water is minimal.

He commented: “There has been a real drive across the construction industry to make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence. Fire survival cables are a vital component of building safety, yet because there is a lack of understanding about the important role they play in keeping buildings safe, all too often inferior cables are installed. The sad reality is these cables are not likely to be adequate in the event of a fire, putting lives at risk.

“In an era of greater accountability, there should be no compromise; we can no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done.  Whilst we believe there should be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire, greater understanding of performance capabilities, particularly amongst contractors and installers, would go a long way to ensuring high performance products were used in every project.

“As a market leader, we are committed to raising standards and are working hard to educate people – whether they are just starting out in their career or have many years’ experience - about the benefits of specifying ‘true’ fire survival cables. It is for this reason we offer training to students and experienced contractors - showing how we make and test our cables and demonstrating how they compare to other products – so they can be sure they are using a solution which is fit for purpose.”

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

Wrexham Mineral Cables says now is the time to focus and understand the pivotal role they play in building safety, before more lives are put at risk.

WMC’s call to action comes after the recent fire in a London high-rise residential building. It says this latest high-profile incident is a timely reminder, during Building Safety Month, that it is vital for building designers and specifiers to be able to identify and install appropriate cables which can survive, not just resist, real-life fire scenarios.

Currently, no fire-resistant cable under 20mm undergoes any type of direct impact testing. Whilst there is a test for fire with water, the actual pressure in this test is over SIXTY times less pressure than you would expect from a standard household sprinkler, let alone a commercial application or even a fire hose.  However, fire-resistant cables that are more than 20mm undergo testing for direct impacts and “water jet” test.

For many years, WMC has been calling for all enhanced fire-resistant cables to undergo true fire scenario tests.  The introduction of a higher classification of fire survival cable, for those which can continue to power critical circuits in the event of a fire and withstand the rigours of safety systems such as falling debris, collapsing walls, fire hoses or even activation of high-pressure sprinklers and smoke extraction, should be a must.

Steve Williams, Commercial Manager at WMC, commented: “There has been a real drive across the construction industry to make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence. Sadly, the events at London’s New Providence Wharf remind us that multi-occupancy buildings remain high risk, and we must do all we can to make them safe.

“Fire survival cables are a vital component of building safety, yet we believe they remain an unidentified hazard. And because there is a lack of understanding about the important role, they play in keeping buildings safe, all too often inferior cables are installed. The sad reality is these cables are not likely to be adequate in the event of a fire. This uncertainty can only be ascertained when all current fire-resistant cables, regardless of size or construction, are subjected to true fire scenario tests.

“We are working hard to educate the market about the benefits of specifying fire survival cables. Changes have been welcomed where BS8629 recognises that polymeric fire-resistant cables may not survive direct impact during a fire. It states all non-armoured fire-resistant cables must be installed inside fire resistant conduit: this of course brings additional complications and extra costs over an MICC fire survival cable.

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

Building safety a ‘ticking time bomb’ if fire cable testing isn’t strengthened, says Wrexham Mineral Cables.

A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety could remain a ‘ticking time bomb’ if product testing for fire cables is not strengthened.

For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables are classified as fire resistant yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios.

Under current standards, only ‘fire-resistant’ cables greater than 20mm in diameter undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris and water jet testing on a single test sample. For ‘ENHANCED fire resistant’ cables under 20mm, no direct impact test takes place, and the water test is just a spray test, whilst different stages of each test are carried out on different samples of cable.

Wrexham Mineral Cables believes this is putting lives at risk.

It comes at a time when London's Fire Commissioner Andy Roe has called for urgent change in the building industry as the number of blocks of flats in London with fire safety failings is now more than 1,000. Whilst a majority of the issues are due to cladding, the remainder have other fire safety defects, and in all of these buildings, LFB has suspended its ‘stay put strategy’.

Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams says testing needs to be strengthened for all fire-resistant cables as part of the construction industry’s wider drive to improve building safety.

He commented: “ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supported in the event of a fire. Not only do they provide early indication of a fire, they keep them safe whilst providing extended time for rescue services to evacuate occupants and ensure critical circuits remain functional for longer periods. This is particularly critical in high rise buildings where evacuation times can be extensive or hindered due to the sheer size of the building.

“The tests which construction products are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon. It is extremely concerning that ‘ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables most commonly being used in fire alarms, emergency lighting, extraction systems, monitoring systems or even backup generators may not survive fire, water, and direct impact. If this remains the case, building safety will remain a ticking time bomb.”

Mr Williams says Mineral Insulated Copper Cable (MICC) is the only fire performance cable that, in historical testing, has survived over 1000˚C, whilst being subjected to direct hammer blows and a full water pressure test using a fire hose. Samples tested have been measured at just 5.7mm in diameter and maintained circuit integrity for over 3 hours.

He added: “We remain committed to raising industry standards. And the only way to achieve this is by introducing a higher classification for such products. The Government’s review of current systems for testing construction products was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of buildings. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test, helping identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire.  Ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon is the only way we can make buildings truly safe.”

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

Welcome changes to building regulations intensifies focus on performance of ‘fire-resistant’ cables, says Wrexham Mineral Cables

A leading manufacturer of Mineral Insulated Copper Cables is urging specifiers and designers to highly consider the stresses real-life fire scenarios have on ‘fire-resistant’ cables, so they can choose products that will truly withstand a critical situation.

As the focus on building safety intensifies, Wrexham Mineral Cables has approved of the amendments to Approved Document B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations – which means all new residential buildings over 11 metres tall must be fitted with sprinkler systems.

With the proposed Building Safety Act addressing the need for greater accountability at every stage of the construction process, Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams believes understanding the performance capabilities of different types of ‘fire-resistant’ cables is particularly important for specifiers and designers with whom the responsibility of product specification lies.

Currently, only ‘fire-resistant’ cables that are greater in diameter than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts and water testing with any significant pressure on a single test sample. For ‘fire-resistant’ cables under 20mm, different stages of the test are carried out on different samples of cable, whilst exposure to water is minimal. This means, most Fire Performance cables used to power fire alarms, emergency lighting, smoke detection systems and even smoke extraction systems in high rise buildings, would not have undergone any true fire test to reflect the recommended changes.

He commented: “The tests which construction products are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon, especially in tall buildings or anywhere that requires extended evacuation times. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test.’’ This is further reflected on the welcoming of sprinkler systems in high rise buildings, providing the cables specified have undergone a true fire scenario test.

With the Government set to review the certification system for testing construction products to examine how it can be strengthened, Mr Williams added this needs to be extended to ‘fire-resistant’ cables.

He added: “As a leading manufacturer of MICC cables (often referred to as the ONLY true fire-survival cable) we have been calling for more stringent testing standards for ‘fire-resistant’ cables that reflect real fire scenarios. We believe all ‘enhanced fire-resistant’ cables should undergo a minimum of 3-hours fire testing, a water test that involves a fire hose or high-pressure jets, similar to a sprinkler system, and direct impact testing on the cable, not on the test rig supporting it. All three of these tests should be carried out on one single cable sample. Only then, can a cable be classed as ‘ENHANCED fire-resistant’ for use in critical circuits.”

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

With the continuing focus on building safety, fire-resistant cables – and their ability to service critical systems in the event of a fire - remain under the spotlight. However, it has become clear that fire-resistant cables offer different levels of performance, and not all of them can provide protection in a real-life fire scenario. Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams explains the importance of choosing the right cable.

 The safety of tall buildings is rarely out of the headlines, with the Gulf region suffering a spate of fires in its high-rise buildings in recent years. The blaze at the 48 storey Abbco Tower in the city of Sharjah, and another at Dubai’s 337 metre Torch Tower, which has caught fire on three separate occasions, are prime examples where occupant safety has been at risk.

To date, the focus of building safety has been largely on identified defects. But we can only truly make buildings safe by identifying all possible hazards - such as the installation of inferior fire-resistant cables, and it is these which need to be put under the spotlight.

Critical support system

 Should a fire break-out, fire-resistant cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that the emergency and building critical systems are supported, providing vital time for the safe passage of occupants out of the building, and allowing for shutdown procedures to take place. Applications where a fire-resistant cable would be specified include emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, extraction systems, smoke dampers and shutters, emergency generators, pressurisation fans, emergency voice comms and fire alarms, all of which can prove critical during a fire.

Depending on the construction of a cable, protection of the solid or stranded conductors is achieved with insulation such as magnesium oxide (Mgo), MICA tapes and polymers. The insulation in turn is protected by an outer sheath which is commonly either a copper, steel wire armoured or a fire-resistant polymeric sheath, each of which performs differently under fire conditions.

In order to meet the requirements of a fire-resistant cable, the construction must meet the British Standard appropriate to their type of fire-resistant cable. There are several references for fire performance on cables including BS 50200, BS8434, BS8519 and BS6387.

All of these standards have a variant of time and temperature the cables are tested at under fire conditions. These can range from a 30 minute rated cable tested at 830^oC (PH30 cable as per BS 50200) to a three hour rated cable tested at 940^oC (BS 6387 category C). All of these standards should provide reassurance to the specifier that the chosen cable will continue to work in the event of a fire.

Higher classification

We all know fire is a dynamic force that moves, expands, and changes the shape, size, and properties of all it comes into contact with. To meet the criteria of a true fire scenario, you would expect testing to include the risk of flashover, falling debris during the fire (including directly onto the cable) and water exposure either from a sprinkler system or fire hose.

There are good examples of test scenarios within the British Standards. For example, BS 8519 (tests on cables over 20mm) requires direct impact testing and jet water pressure tests on one single sample. BS 6387 CWZ (tests on cables under 20mm) is another example which calls for a three-hour fire test, which could replicate trapped residents in a tall building or petrochemical leaks in a refinery. The safety critical equipment could be needed to function for several hours in these scenarios.

However, WMC feel there needs to be a single test for ENHANCED fire-resistant cables. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test.

Changes have been welcomed where BS 8629 recognises that polymeric fire-resistant cables may not survive direct impact during a fire. It states all non-armoured fire-resistant cables must be installed inside fire-resistant conduit: this of course brings additional complications and extra costs. For example, the conduit aids the travel of smoke from the source fire along the conduit to other parts of the building – this smoke is toxic, therefore much more harmful when inhaled, and explosive around even the smallest spark, easily resulting in the spread of fire rather than the containment of it. This could cause huge implications within hazardous areas, especially when zones of a building are segregated as non-explosive and explosive, in some cases simply by a fire wall.

Most fire-resistant cables rely on polymers or tapes to increase their resistance to fire, yet these materials can burn away at as little as 80^oC, exposing the critical conductors. And in order to give some soft skinned polymer cables flame retardant properties, halogens are added to the outer sheath such as chlorine, bromine and fluorine. When exposed to a fire, these halogenated polymers will release halides which are extremely toxic. This smoke not only restricts breathing, it increases the risk of this being inhaled when following the common rules during a fire. The recommendation during a fire is to get down low and crawl along the ground until you find the nearest available exit. From our own investigations, that are demonstrated on our website, the smoke released from some of these cables is so dense it actual falls to the ground. Our in-house testing is carried out on one single cable sample; imagine an installation where dozens can be in parallel. We also discovered that this smoke is not only dense, it’s also flammable.

Failure to recognise the need for a true fire scenario test is extremely real. In 2018, a survey of fire-resistant cables conducted in Hong Kong found that 75% of 12 fire Resistance cables removed from public site, all of which were used in safety critical systems, actually failed the very tests to which they were certified. One sample failed the basic fire test of BS 6387 after just 22 minutes. This demonstrates the inconsistency in the standards performance to measure true or real fire condition performance.¹

It is for that reason that we have been calling for more stringent testing standards with the introduction of a higher classification of fire survival cable, for those which can continue to power critical circuits in the event of a fire and withstand the rigours of safety systems such as falling debris, collapsing walls, fire hoses or even activation of high-pressure sprinklers and smoke extraction.

Mineral Insulated Cables

Mineral Insulated Cable (MIC) has been used commercially since 1937. From a fire performance perspective, it offers many inherent safety and fire-resistant advantages.

It is made by placing magnesium oxide around copper rods inside a circular copper tube, known as the copper sheath, for its protection - meaning it has its own fire-proof conduit. And unlike any other type of fire-resistant cable, no polymers, tapes or armouring are used, so this type of cable will operate directly in the heart of a fire and continue to do so safely. The high-density magnesium oxide has a melting point of over 2000^oC, whilst the copper sheath has a melting point of over 1080^oC.

The continuous operating temperatures of cables are often a key factor in selection decisions. A bare mineral insulated cable can work continuously up to 250^oC, far more than any other polymeric fire-resistant cable. Mineral Insulated Cables operate directly in the heart of a fire, whilst continuing to safely operate in temperatures in excess of 1050°C for over three hours, whilst undergoing direct impact and exposure to water pressure in excess of any current British Standard.

Its bespoke construction means it doesn’t require a conduit for mechanical or vermin protection and stops liquids and gas flowing through the cable. These extreme tolerances make it a perfect candidate to create water, air and dust-tight seal with a fully approved mineral cable gland. Because of this, Mineral Insulated Cable is seen not just as a fire-resistant cable but the ultimate fire survival cable, as it provides the best possible resistance to fire, heat, and impact damage. It is for this reason that this type of cable is trusted to operate under the most extreme and challenging conditions and has been installed in some of the world’s most famous historic buildings and iconic structures, including the Marina Twin Towers and Doha World Trade Centre.

With a great focus on building safety around the world, there is growing momentum for more stringent inspections on buildings, and the systems which serve them. From our own investigations, it can prove extremely difficult to inspect cables that are either buried in walls or placed in conduits. Mineral Insulated Cable can be surface mounted, has its own “built-in conduit”, will not degrade unlike polymeric cables and inspection can take seconds.

There has been a real drive across the construction industry to make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence. For specifiers and designers with whom the responsibility of product specification lies, how can they be held accountable if products cannot be relied upon and do not perform as marketed. Fire survival cables are a vital component of building safety, but because there is a lack of understanding about the important role they play, all too often inferior cables are installed. We are working hard to educate the market about the benefits of specifying fire survival cables such as Mineral Insulated Cables. In an era of greater accountability, there should be no compromise, and as an industry we can no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done.

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

Company Update

Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, there are new guidelines for the marking of products distributed throughout the UK (except N.I) that previously used the CE marking. Wrexham Mineral Cables have undergone the task of ensuring our products sold in to Great Britain (except N.I) meet the latest regulations.

We are delighted to announce Wrexham Mineral Cables successfully completed their transition to UKCA marking for their hazardous area approved cable glands during August 2021.

Details of the new approval can be found on our approvals page here 

ARTICLE

The continuing focus on building safety should be welcomed, but all hazards need to be identified and put under the spotlight says Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams.

For the last four years, building safety has rarely been out of the headlines. In the aftermath of the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review set out more than 50 recommendations regarding the delivery of a more robust building regulatory system. In response, the Government has sought to introduce legislation to address these concerns - such as the draft Building Safety Bill - seen by many as the most sweeping changes to building safety in the last 40 years.

The aim is to make way for a safer future. And amongst the issues being addressed is the need for greater accountability at every stage of the construction process, establishing a chain of custody and holding those in charge accountable for any mistakes, with tougher sanctions for those that fail to meet their obligations.

Building a safer future

Whilst such reform will make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence, we can only truly make buildings safe by identifying all possible hazards. To date, the focus has been largely on identified defects. But it is the unidentified issues – such as the installation of inferior fire-resistant cables – which, we believe, need to be put under the spotlight.

It has also become clear that steps need to be taken to ensure the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon, especially in tall buildings or anywhere that requires extended evacuation times. Sadly, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed evidence of testing irregularities and, in some cases, deliberate attempts to game the system and rig the results of safety tests.

This is particularly important for specifiers and designers with whom the responsibility of product specification lies. How can they be held accountable if products cannot be relied upon and do not perform as marketed? To ensure products used on buildings meet the highest safety standards, the Government has since ordered a review of the current certification system for testing construction products which will examine how it can be strengthened.

Higher classification needed

As a leading manufacturer of fire-resistant cables, we have been calling for more stringent testing standards for years. We believe all enhanced fire-resistant cables should undergo true fire scenario tests. Currently, only cables that are more than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris. And for cables under 20mm, individual certification tests are carried out on different samples of cable.

This has resulted in too many cables being classed as fire resistant but that would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests do not represent real-world conditions. We strongly believe there should be a higher classification of cables introduced to help specifiers and designers identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire.

In an era of greater accountability, there should be no compromise, and as an industry we can no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done.

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

“A step in the right direction but more needs to be done,” is the response from Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) following the Government’s announcement that it will hold a review of current systems for testing construction products.

The review comes in the wake of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry which exposed evidence of testing irregularities and potential ‘gaming of the system’ by some manufacturers.

As a leading UK supplier of fire-resistant mineral insulated cables, WMC has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables – which have been installed in buildings across the country - are classified as fire resistant and yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios.

Currently, only cables that are more than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris. And for cables under 20mm, individual certification tests are carried out on different samples of cable.

Steve Williams, Commercial Manager at WMC, commented: “We welcome the Government’s confirmation it will examine ways to strengthen the current system for testing construction products. Such scrutiny is much needed. As an industry, we must be able to provide confidence that products installed, especially in tall buildings or anywhere that requires extended evacuation times, are safe and perform as marketed.

“We believe that this review needs to go much further. Certification testing must show that products are fit for purpose and can stand-up to the rigours of keeping a building safe once they have been installed. Sadly, there are simply too many cables classed as fire resistant but would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests do not represent real-world conditions. It is for this reason that we have lobbied, and will continue to do so, for all enhanced fire-resistant cables to undergo true fire scenario tests. There should be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply assessed to resist fire which in most cases do not represent the dynamics of any fire scenario. Ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon is the only way we can make buildings truly safe.”

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page

ARTICLE

Wrexham mineral insulated cables has called for unidentified fire safety hazards to be put under the spotlight, or else, it says, more lives could be put at risk.

Last month, the UK government set out a five-point plan to address unsafe cladding issues including an additional £3.5 billion in funding for the removal and replacement of cladding on buildings over 18 metres in height. This was welcomed by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP); however, the ASFP did not believe it went far enough and should be made available to cover all identified defects.

Wrexham Mineral Cables is adding weight to the ASFP’s arguments. The company believes it is the identified issues – such as the installation of inferior fire-resistant cables - which need to be put under the spotlight and addressed in order to make tall buildings safe.

For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables – which have been installed in buildings across the country - are classified as fire resistant and yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios.

Steve Williams, Commercial Manager at Wrexham Mineral Cables, commented: “Whilst we welcome calls to look at all identified fire safety hazards, we believe the call for change needs to go much further. Sadly, there are simply too many cables classed as fire resistant but that would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests do not represent real-world conditions. All over the UK, this is putting lives at risk.

Higher classification needed

“We strongly believe there should be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire. There should be no compromise, and as an industry we can no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done. Whilst legislation such as the Building Safety Bill will make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence, we can only truly make buildings safe by identifying all possible hazards, and ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon.”

Wrexham Mineral Cables contributed to the call for evidence by the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety led by Dame Judith Hackitt, and has lobbied the UK Government for their support in calling for more stringent tests.

To enquire about Mineral Insulated Copper Cables, please email us on [email protected] or visit our contact page